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There I was looking forward to the local run of the NACC Odiham Run, which meant that the Benelli single could do its annual duty and speed though the Hampshire lanes. The chain was greased, the tank topped with 95 octane and the skid lid polished to a fine glow. Then disaster struck: the old back injury. A substitute pilot was phoned and, at short notice, press-ganged into volunteering. The sun rose on the hottest day of the year and glinted on the Benelli's polished paintwork, the other pilots arrived to find their steeds roped together on the trailer for the journey to the start line. I was dumped into the back seat of the prime mover for a short but painful journey. Upon arrival we were met by the chaos of a field near a pub filled with randomly parked prime movers. I hobbled round using a stick, collecting sympathy. The assembled multitudes on their two wheels departed in the time honoured chaotic fashion. The rest of us chatted or played in the sandpit. I have never been to a run and waited in the 'pits' before but it was almost as good as going round the lanes on a Benelli, talk about everything except bikes (yes it is possible to talk for more than 5 minutes without saying "bike"): boats, fishing, the M25, growing chillies, Sierra Leone, beer, Casablanca, pickle onion recipes. All too soon the distinct sounds of approaching thrashed engines disturbed our countryside idyll as the leading pack approached from their 18 mile run. My Benelli was the 15th returnee out of 44 starters and took about 38 minutes, an average of 28 mph. Not bad for a 20 year old moped and the only Benelli taking part. NACC is The National Autocycle and Cyclemotor Club. I may even risk the trip to Box Hill if a monthly Benelli Motobi meet is held there. Anyone got some go-faster bits for a moped?
First published in Il Leone Ruggisce, the magazine of the GB Benelli Motobi Club, January 2002